[Adopted 1-18-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017[1]; amended in its entirety 11-21-2023 by L.L. No. 23-2023]
[1]
Editor’s Note: This local law also repealed former Art. V, Zoning Officer, adopted 4-5-2011 by L.L. No. 11-2011 (Ch. 26, Art. IV, of the 1976 Code), as amended.
This article shall be known as "Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) of the Town of Riverhead."
A. 
In furtherance of a reorganization of several departments within the Town of Riverhead, including those concerned with community development, planning, building, zoning, natural resources and other related matters, the Town Board created the Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP). The Department includes several distinct but interrelated divisions and offices: Community Development, Planning Department, and Building Department.
B. 
The Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP)'s mission is focused on providing the highest level of service to the citizens of Riverhead. The overall mission statement of the Department is as follows:
(1) 
Administer, coordinate, develop and enforce all land development and environmental programs, procedures and regulations.
(2) 
Process all land development applications in a timely, coordinated and efficient manner.
(3) 
Undertake and implement short- and long-range plans to guide land development and conservation of the natural environment.
(4) 
Promote and support business retention and attraction.
(5) 
Provide professional and technical support services to the Community Development Department, Planning Department, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Advisory Council, Architectural Review Board, Landmarks Preservation Commission and citizen and related advisory committees appointed by the Town Board in connection with various comprehensive community, economic, and planning initiatives.
(6) 
Manage and participate in the planning of capital improvements, environmental conservation and related projects and programs.
(7) 
Coordinate community housing projects and programs to facilitate affordable housing opportunities, working with both the public sector and private sector.
C. 
The Town Board also created the position of Administrator of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) and, in the absence or unavailability of the Administrator of Economic Development and Planning (DEP), the Town Board may appoint an interim Administrator within the Community Development or Planning Departments to oversee and manage the Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP).
D. 
The Administrator of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) is charged by the Town Board with significant and independent authority to manage the Town's overall planning, development and conservation of land resources and implementation of policy.
E. 
In addition, it is the intent of this article to clarify and designate additional Town personnel to interpret and enforce the zoning provisions set forth in Chapter 301.
The Administrator of the Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) shall be the principal executive officer and administrative head of the Community Development, Planning and Building Departments.
The Administrator of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) shall have such duties as the Town Board may from time to time prescribe, including but not limited to the following:
A. 
Assist the Town Board with the establishment and implementation of land use and development legislation, priorities, policies, projects and programs.
B. 
Assist the Town Board and Financial Administrator with financial and related analysis pertaining to development projects and programs.
C. 
Coordinate the efforts of the Community Development Department, Planning Department, and Building Department of the Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEP) during the review of development projects and programs.
D. 
Represent the Town on various development-oriented committees, task forces and forums.
E. 
Lead the implementation of design and development projects, programs and strategies recommended by the Comprehensive Plan update.
F. 
Manage professional and administrative staff assigned to the Department, including all data entry, accounting, clerical and related support services required by each division.
G. 
Under the direction of the Town Attorney, review all legal matters arising within the divisions of the Department.
H. 
Provide reports and assistance on various applications and requests, including under Chapter 219, Coastal Erosion Hazard Areas, and Chapter 295, Wetlands.
I. 
Serve as the coordinator for the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for various Town-initiated legislation, priorities, projects, and programs, as well as petitions submitted for the Town Board's consideration regarding change of zones and other related requests.
J. 
Administer, supervise, manage, coordinate and enforce the zoning laws and applicable local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the Town of Riverhead and the applicable building codes, state and/or local and applicable laws of the State of New York as legally required throughout the properties of the Town of Riverhead.
The Investigation Unit of the Office of the Town Attorney, commonly referred to as "Code Enforcement," shall have authority to enforce the zoning laws and applicable local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of the Town of Riverhead and the applicable building codes, state and/or local and applicable laws of the State of New York as legally required throughout the properties of the Town of Riverhead. In addition, the Town Investigator and such other persons who are certified as Code Enforcement Officials as provided by Title 19 NYCRR Part 434 are authorized to issue appearance tickets as defined by § 150.10 of the Criminal Procedure Law, summonses or any other notices as permissible by law for violation of the sections of the Town Code of the Town of Riverhead over which they have jurisdiction. Nothing hereinabove shall be deemed to diminish or restrict the performance of such duties as are vested in and imposed upon the departments, officers or employees identified above. Nothing hereinabove shall be deemed to diminish or restrict the performance of such duties as are vested in and imposed upon the Investigation Unit, Senior Town Investigator, Town Investigator and such other officers or persons employed in the Investigation Unit.
The provisions set forth in this article are enacted pursuant to Town Law §§ 268 and 138 and Municipal Home Rule Law § 10, Subdivision 1(ii)a(1) and 1(ii)d(3), and are intended to supersede Town Law § 65, Subdivision 1.